Harrowsmith Select Gourd is an exclusive open-pollinated blend of diverse shapes and bold fall colors from Johnny's Selected Seeds. This Cucurbita pepo variety reaches maturity in 95 days and grows in a compact habit, making it surprisingly manageable for gardeners with limited space. The real draw is the unpredictability, you'll get a mix of shapes and sizes all suited for autumn decoration, ready to harvest before the first frost and cure for stunning fall displays.
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Each plant produces a surprise collection of gourd shapes in rich fall colors, harvested at 95 days and cured in just 5-7 days for decorative use. The compact growth habit means you can fit these in smaller gardens than traditional sprawling squash varieties, while the open-pollinated genetics let you save seeds from your favorite shapes for next year. These aren't just pretty, they're functional, storing well for months when properly cured and sealed.
These gourds are grown primarily for autumn decoration and seasonal displays. Harvest them when color fully develops, cure them for a week, and they'll hold their vibrant hues for months of harvest-table decoration or fall mantelpiece arrangements.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow 2-3 seeds per 2-inch container or plug flat about 3 weeks before your transplanting date. If growing the mixed variety, sort seeds into groups by shape and size before sowing to increase the likelihood of getting the full range of plant types and fruit shapes. Thin to 1 plant per container using scissors once seedlings emerge.
Harden off plants 4-7 days before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, spacing plants 36 inches apart with 60 inches between rows.
Harvest when the color is fully developed and the stems are completely dry, but before the first hard frost arrives. Pick gourds by cutting the stem with a knife rather than pulling. Once harvested, cure them out of direct sunlight at 80-85°F with good air circulation for 5-7 days until the skin hardens. After curing, wash the fruits, dry thoroughly, and seal with furniture polish to protect them during storage and display.
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